Pastor’s Message for October 2021

You Don’t Need a Bigger Boat

Not long ago, while vacationing in Erie, I witnessed a heroic act on the lake. The day began with the sunshine shining over the still water of the lake. The forecast predicted severe showers later in the day, and by early afternoon, the skies had begun to turn gray. The boats already on the lake enjoying a calm day started to head back towards the marina. As the skies continued to darken, the clouds opened up and the rain began to fall. As the rain fell, the winds started to pick up, and the lake became choppy. It was then I noticed a small sail boat being tossed about. It was at the mercy of the lake. The harder it tried to navigate the wind, the rain, and the lake, the more I realized I may be watching a tragedy unfold before my eyes. I began to pray for this small boat to make it back to the marina safely. For approximately 45 minutes, I, along with many others, watched anxiously as the captain tried everything in his power to return this sail boat safely back to the marina. Thankfully, the boat made it back to the marina safely, and everyone who watched this battle between man and nature breathed a sigh of relief. That sigh of relief turned to jubilation when we noticed a young boy come up from below deck. Unbeknownst to all of us, this battle between man and nature had more at stake than we had known. That 45-minute struggle was for the safety and the life of that young boy. I can’t imagine the fear, the anxiety, or the will to survive the captain felt during those tense minutes. But, I know the sense of accomplishment and joy he felt when he pulled into the marina with his young passenger safe from the choppy waters of Lake Erie.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.

Isaiah 43:2

Every morning when we wake, the events of the day lie before us. Some events can be found in our Google calendars, our planners, or just simply stuck to the refrigerator with a sticky note. Other events are unforeseen, a result of the choices, the steps we choose to take throughout the day. Like that day in Erie, what may start out as a sunny, calm day can easily become a day with severe storms on the horizon. When our days become darkened, not only is God with us, but we will not drown. Imagine being in the middle of a great body of water and having confidence you will not drown. That is God’s promise to those who know and love the Lord. Going through rivers of difficulty will either cause you to drown or force you to grow stronger. If you go in your own strength, you’re more likely to drown. If you invite the Lord to go with you, God will protect you.

God’s blessings in all we do,
Pastor Ross